Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has been sued for N200 million over a video depicting her performing a spiritual deliverance on a student on school grounds, with the plaintiff alleging violations of the child’s privacy and constitutional rights.
The lawsuit was filed at the High Court in Abuja by human rights lawyer Ikechukwu Obasi on behalf of a Junior Secondary School (JSS 1) student from Rivers State. According to the legal filing, the incident occurred during Dikeh’s visit to Durumi II Secondary School in Abuja, a visit that was later documented and shared by the actress on her social media platforms.
The core of the legal complaint centers on the filming and online circulation of the deliverance ritual. Obasi argues that the teenager was subjected to a harmful religious practice without appropriate consent and that the subsequent sharing of the video breached her right to privacy. The suit specifically cites Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees the privacy of citizens, and the Child Rights Act 2003, which provides special protections for minors.
The plaintiff is demanding N200 million in damages for the alleged infringement, a public apology from Dikeh, and the immediate removal of all footage from social media. Furthermore, the lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgment from the court confirming that the actress’s actions constituted a violation of the student’s constitutional rights to dignity and personal privacy.
This legal action brings into focus the intersection of celebrity influence, religious expression, and child protection laws in Nigeria. The case hinges on whether the student’s participation was voluntary and informed, and whether public dissemination of such a personal moment, involving a minor, is legally permissible. The lawsuit underscores ongoing debates about digital consent and the exploitation of children’s images in the online sphere.
The court will now need to determine if the acts, as presented, constitute an actionable breach of law. The outcome could set a precedent regarding the responsibilities of public figures when documenting interactions with minors, especially in contexts involving personal or religious practices. The proceedings are being closely watched by child rights advocates and media observers alike.
